The BLK + GRN Show

Latest Episodes:

Wellness Expert: "Yoga is not a religion... Truth about worship” | ep. 56 | Dana Smith Oct 31, 2024

BLK + GRN show is a show for Black women entrepreneurs for starting a life of self-improvement, self-love. This show is hosted by the founder of BLK + GRN, Dr. Kristian Edwards. Kristian is focused on bringing the best guests to educate, entertain and Empower Black women.

Every week, the refreshing line up of guests bring in more tips on: how to start your self-improvement journey, their careers, how to live a happier and more fulfilled life.

Tune in to know more, get educated while being entertained.

Episode 51 - Sex, Relationships & Balance | Barella Roberson Sep 10, 2024

In this episode, Kristian welcomes Barella Roberson as her guest. Barella dives into her business ventures and shares her insights on why "sex is a taboo topic in the Black community." The conversation delves into profound subjects such as "The art of letting go" and "Overcoming societal expectations." Tune in for an enlightening discussion that challenges norms and empowers listeners.

Episode 50 - Dealing with Disappointments and Living holistically as a as a Black Woman | Khetnu Nefer Sep 10, 2024

In this episode, Kristian is joined by massage therapist Khetnu Nefer to delve into the vibrant Gullah Geechee culture and the profound impact of compound living on family unity. They discuss how modern capitalism has shifted our focus away from our families and communities, creating a sense of distance and disconnect.

The conversation then transitions to navigating disappointment and managing expectations. Khetnu shares wisdom on how to handle these challenges while emphasizing the importance of self-care and the bravery required to seek support. Kristian underscores that abundant resources are available to us, and reaching out for help is a true measure of strength, not ego. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that reconnects you with the value of family, community, and personal well-being.

Episode 49 - Starting a wine business with husband, Self-awareness & communication | Jon'll Boyd Sep 10, 2024

In this episode, Jon’ll Boyd takes us on a transformative journey, sharing how she and her husband turned their late-night pillow talks into a thriving wine business. Discover the passion and perseverance behind their entrepreneurial success, as Jon’ll reveals the challenges they faced and the strategies that propelled them forward.

Jon’ll and Kristian dive into the crucial role of communication in their partnership, offering invaluable hacks for balancing work and personal life. They explore how effective communication not only fosters business success but also supports mental well-being. Plus, Jon’ll highlights the profound impact of self-awareness on both personal growth and professional achievement. Tune in to be inspired by their story and gain insights that could transform your own journey.

Episode 48 - Growing a webby nominated AI company, Self-Love as a Black woman | Casey Ariel Thobias Aug 26, 2024

In today's episode, Casey Ariel reveals her inspiring journey of creating the Webby-nominated AI company, overcoming roadblocks, and navigating the challenges of a saturated market as a Black woman entrepreneur. Discover how self-care and self-gentleness empowered her and co-host Kristian to scale their businesses without burning out, emphasizing the transformative power of prioritizing self-care.

From Republican to Conservative: "I hope Trump loses big, so people like me can come back and fight to rebuild it from the ashes" | ep. 57. Jan 11, 2024

Every week, the refreshing line up of guests bring in more tips on: how to start your self-improvement journey, their careers, how to live a happier and more fulfilled life.

Tune in to know more, get educated while being entertained.

Episode 47 - Naked Chemistry - Rachel Zeigler Nov 29, 2023

Rachel Zeigler’s journey is a testament to walking in one's purpose, where the resounding echoes of her heart's desires drown out doubt and settling becomes a distant notion. As the visionary founder of Naked Chemistry, Rachel transforms challenges, from navigating microaggressions in the corporate world as a Black woman to pivoting her career as a licensed cosmetologist during the pandemic.

Beyond its initial focus, her vegan skincare brand, born out of a keen concern for ingrown hairs, has blossomed into a testament to Rachel's dedication to quality, sustainability, and multifunctionality. The core message is clear: prioritize quality over quantity, view self-care as non-negotiable, and embrace the transformative power of turning personal challenges into purpose-driven ventures.

Quote from interviewee for callout box: “I realized at the end of the day, you have to make success your own and put your own determination on what is success to you.”

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

In the realm of skepticism and discouragement, let unwavering self-belief in both your personal worth and the potential of your business be the guiding light that propels you forward.
It’s important to give yourself grace and recognize that self-compassion is essential for personal well-being and for positively interacting with others.
Seeking investments and aligning with platforms that champion and support Black businesses can be crucial for growth in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Check Out These Highlights:

Rachel shares her dissatisfaction with the corporate environment, pursuit of beauty school, and skepticism from her traditional Black parents and societal expectations (3:40)
Rachel emphasizes the significance of using vegan skincare and talks about the ingredients in her products (19:49)
Rachel passionately delves into the art of weaving self-care seamlessly into the fabric of her life. (26:00)

Quotes:

“Vegan skin care helps, and you know everything that we put in our body and on our body matters.”
“I'm happy that I'm living a life that's authentic to me and I'm living a life that's true to me and I think that that's more important than having what you're supposed to have or having accolades that people want you to have”
“Taking care of yourself is in vanity. Beauty is in vanity. Because when you look good, you feel good. When your hair is done, or when your skin looks good you feel good and when you feel good, you project that onto other people.”

Episode 46 - Malkia - Linda Johnson Nov 22, 2023

Linda embarks on a deeply resonant journey, one that mirrors the intricate tapestry of our own lives. Linda, the visionary founder of Malkia, exudes an unwavering commitment to natural skincare, bringing forth a remarkable vision where every individual, especially Black people, can experience the beauty of healthy, glowing skin naturally.

Her mission extends beyond products; it's about fostering a genuine connection to the community, leading to the powerful potential of giving back. Linda's story is a beacon of authenticity, reminding us that we can instigate profound change when we choose to invest in our well-being and the betterment of our world. It's a testament to the transformative magic that personal choices and intentional endeavors can wield, proving that each step we take can be a profound stride toward lasting and impactful transformation.

Quote from interviewee for callout box: "This is your life, this is your health, this is your wellness. Take that extra time to understand what natural means and what these companies are putting in their products."

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

"Malkia" means queen in Swahili, and the brand's logo features a stylized double M, originally named Malkia Mweusi, meaning the Black Queen.
Linda's commitment to authenticity and intentionality in her brand's growth demonstrates the value of staying true to one's vision and being purposeful in business decisions.
It’s important to be diligent in reading labels, researching product ingredients, and understanding what goes into your skincare items for the sake of your overall health and wellness.

Check Out These Highlights:

Linda sparks an impactful conversation on the importance of traveling and share valuable insights on embracing the diversity and richness of other cultures (14:11)
Linda discusses the misrepresentation of Africa and the need to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about the continent (17:20)
Linda shares her vision for her brand and emphasizes the importance of helping people see that they can have healthy, natural, and beautiful skin without resorting to expensive and chemically loaded products (25:10)

Quotes:

“You become such a well-rounded open person but so receptive to other cultures and other types of people and other types of circumstances when you travel.”
“I do feel like over the last 10 years or maybe like 5 to 8 years, there's been a paradigm shift and especially the African American community in wanting to understand more about their roots.”
“Really take your time and read the labels and understand what natural means. It's not a regulated term, so really anyone can claim their natural and what they're using is not natural or naturally derived.”

Episode 45 - Vitavate- Lori and Loryn Nov 15, 2023

Step into the realm of inspiration with Lori and Lauren, the unstoppable mother-daughter team driving the vision of Vitavate dietary supplements. Their journey is a testament to the extraordinary, where backgrounds in food science and procurement merge to craft a product that transcends the ordinary - a vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free marvel that bestows sustained energy without the dreaded crash.

Their passion for empowering women to "fill their cup first" and their affiliation with the game-changing platform, Black and Green, beckons listeners to a community of thriving black artisans and visionary entrepreneurs. It's a narrative of unwavering support, tenacity, and the transformative force of Black entrepreneurship that promises to leave you both captivated and inspired.

Quote from interviewee for callout box: We're looking to create a Fill Your Cup First universe. We want to be the go-to supplement for women as they try to fill their cup first. It's central to our brand." – Lauren

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

Prioritizing self-care and filling your own cup first is the vital foundation for offering genuine and sustainable support to others, ensuring you can give from a place of abundance, rather than depletion.
The dynamic mother-daughter duo showcases the strength of working together, emphasizing that collaboration can lead to remarkable achievements.
The natural energy boost in the Vitavate energy supplements are achieved through ingredients like green tea extract, ginger root, and magnesium.

Check Out These Highlights:

Lauren reveals the driving force behind diversifying their product range with custom powdered formulas to meet the ever-changing needs of women (7:40)
Lori and Lauren discuss the challenges of getting people to try their product and the importance of attending events and getting their product in people's hands. (13:30)
Lori discusses her background in food science and her experience in the food quality and food safety industry (17:35)

Quotes:

"The biggest challenge, as an entrepreneur, is just getting people to try the product. Once they try it, they love it. But getting the product into people's hands." – Lori
"The vision is to continue to expand our product line with specific powdered formulas to address the needs of women as they go throughout the various stages of their lives." - Lori
"The physical aspect, whether that be exercise, the spiritual aspect, meditation, prayer, and then the mental aspect, you know, making sure we're mentally sound and making sure we're taking care of our mental health as well." - Lauren

Episode 44 - Luv & Co. - Dr. Melodie Davis Bundrage Nov 08, 2023

Dr. Melodie Davis Bundrage, the visionary founder of LUV + CO, delves into the transformative world of clean beauty and entrepreneurship. Driven by a profound mission to inspire confidence and unity among Black women, Dr. Melodie identified a glaring need for accessible, high-quality organic products in underrepresented communities.

Dr. Melodies’ unwavering commitment to empowering Black women ignited a journey that led her to establish her flagship store in the heart of a thriving, melanated suburbia. Furthermore, her personal story as a SCAD heart attack survivor underscores the significance of self-care in entrepreneurial success. It's a powerful reminder that in the pursuit of purpose-driven business, nurturing our own well-being is the cornerstone of creating lasting, meaningful change.

Quote from interviewee for callout box: "We don't have the neighborhood clean beauty store that services Black women. I wanted to create that, and so that's what we did."

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

Recognizing the importance of accessibility in the beauty industry, particularly in underserved communities, and the need for more high-quality cosmetic options for Black women
There is power in embracing contentment and finding peace in various life situations, whether it's a high-profit day or a low-profit day.
The significance of being aware of health disparities and conditions like SCAD (Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection) and taking care of one's overall well-being

Check Out These Highlights:

Dr. Melodie passionately articulates her vision of promoting greater circulation of financial resources within the Black community, recognizing that Black women wield significant purchasing power, particularly within the beauty industry (7:19)
Dr. Melodie talks about her plans for the future, which include expanding partnerships and spreading clean beauty awareness (16:27)
Dr. Melodie shares her self-care journey, emphasizing the need to slow down, delegate, and take care of her health (21:15)

Quotes:

“I did it based on my research and my dissertation, and to make sure that we eliminated all of the toxic ingredients that were linked to health disparities in black women in particular in the medical journals.”
"There comes a time where you just have to delegate and let go. You can't control everything in your business."
"In all things, just be content."

Episode 43 - Nuele - Christine Martey-Ochola Nov 01, 2023

Christine Martey-Ochola, founder of NUELE, shares her remarkable journey of creating a beauty brand that embodies the perfect blend of effectiveness and health-consciousness. After reflecting on childhood memories of witnessing chemical treatments and feeling the societal pressure to conform to a specific beauty standard as a Black woman, Christine and her co-founder Anne Cheatham, drawing on their backgrounds in biochemistry, research, medicine, and food science, spent four years developing their flagship product, NUELE hair serum.

Their unwavering dedication to patience, relentless research, and innovation shines brightly, underlining the profound significance of crafting clean, sustainable, and non-toxic products that will leave a lasting impact on the well-being of both present and future generations. Their tireless devotion to serving Black women with nothing less than exceptional, clean beauty products is bound to ignite your own passion. It's an inspiration to embrace a slower, more deliberate approach, to prioritize health, and to become an agent of positive change in the world.

Quote from interviewee for callout box: “You know what really drives us right, I’d say on a fundamental level is having healthy options. When we are looking at care. Health is a critical component for us.”

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

NUELE is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. They work with farmers, participate in tree-planting initiatives in Africa, and use recyclable packaging materials.
Benzene and formaldehyde are considered harmful ingredients in hair products due to their potential carcinogenic and irritant properties, posing health risks to users.
Christine's unwavering patience paved the way for her to craft a product that embodies health, sustainability, and versatility, all while breaking free from conventional beauty norm

Check Out These Highlights:

Christine shares how her and her co-founder Anne's unwavering passion for delivering all-natural and non-toxic hair care options took precedence over their pursuit of funding for their brand (10:44)
Christine discusses NUELE’S commitment to being a part of the solution, providing customers with all-natural and healthy haircare options (14:50)
Christine discusses the versatility of the NUELE hair serum and the challenges of creating a product that is both non-toxic and effective (20:54)

Quotes:

“We realize that a core thing that we do every single day is use hair care products, but we don't always know what's in them and we don't always realize what the impact is.”

“And so, for us a key driver is how do we ensure that if we are going to play in this space, that we will be on the right side of that story, that we are on this side of positive health outcomes, no matter what.”

“We only want accord around the importance of developing products that we all can be proud of, and if it takes a while so be it. We’ll have to invest that.”

Episode 42 - Mela Vitamins - Ashley Harmon Oct 18, 2023

Ashley Harmon, the visionary founder behind Mela Vitamins, takes us on her personal wellness journey through the realm of wellness. Her college years were marked by a challenging battle against PCOS and a deficiency in vitamin D, setting her on a determined path to develop supplements tailored specifically for Black women. Mela Vitamins stands apart with its holistic approach, forged through extensive research and enriched by insights from consumer focus groups and healthcare experts to address specific needs.

With an eye on the future, Mela Vitamins aims to be the go-to wellness brand for communities of color, expanding their product line and fostering education and community engagement. Ashley’s unwavering commitment to health empowerment shines through as she encourages us to reconnect with our bodies, advocating for self-awareness, step-by-step changes to take charge of our wellness journey and embrace the power of holistic, personalized health.

Quote from interviewee for callout box:

"It's all a journey, and a very personal journey. And I think that we have to stop comparing ourselves to others. What works for someone else may not work for us."

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

The normalization of pain and discomfort can hinder individuals from recognizing when something is wrong with their health and seeking the necessary care or making positive changes.
Listening to one's body involves making incremental changes, allowing time for effects to occur, and regularly checking in on energy levels, sleep quality, and other indicators of well-being.
Small steps can have a significant impact on health, such as improving sleep quality which impacts energy levels, hormone balance, and cognitive health.

Check Out These Highlights:

Ashley sparks and impactful conversation on how Black people often normalize not feeling well (6:21)
Ashley explains the power behind making daily progress and healthy choices rather drastic, unattainable changes (8:40)
Ashley provides some strategies to help people learn how to listen to themselves and their bodies when it is speaking to you (16:44)

Quotes:

"It's daily progress. It's daily healthy choices, daily wellness choices versus this big huge goal or these really unattainable things."
"I think that there's a lot of information that needs to be spread, but also, just for people to feel empowered to ask questions and speak up if they're not feeling well and that they don't have to feel like that."
"The more you get used to it, the better you'll get at kind of learning what your body needs."

Episode 41 - Vegan Luxe Esthetics - Brooke Young Oct 11, 2023

Brooke Young, the founder of Vegan Lux Aesthetics, takes us on a journey into sustainable skincare. With an unwavering commitment to veganism spanning almost a decade, Brooke shares how this deeply ingrained lifestyle choice drove her quest to create a brand that serves the community and the planet. In a world filled with profit-driven businesses, Brooke's emphasis on living the brand with sincerity, transparency, and unwavering passion sets Vegan Lux Aesthetics apart, redefining the concept of ethical skincare. Brooke unveils some of the brand's advanced skincare products, designed to cater to various skin types, and challenges the prevailing notion that effective skincare must come at the expense of ethical practices.

Brooke's dedication to vegan principles and unwavering sustainability shines through, empowering listeners to reflect upon their skincare choices and embrace a more conscious approach to beauty. By championing the cause of ethical skincare, Brooke paves the way for a brighter future, where the pursuit of beauty aligns harmoniously with the preservation of our environment.

Quote from interviewee for callout box:

“Back then, there were not a lot of lines that spoke specifically to our skin tone, and I saw how challenging that was. And I said, if I'm going to put my money on anything, it's going to be on the caring and sustainability of skincare and skincare products.”

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

Black women often face barriers when it comes to skincare, including feelings of unworthiness and a lack of access to products tailored to their specific needs.
Black women's purchasing power in the beauty market is significant, with statistics showing that they spend more and are quicker to embrace new products than their white counterparts.
Overcoming the narrative that black women are not a focus in the beauty industry and providing inclusive, tailored products and marketing strategies can empower black women to make informed skincare choices and feel good about themselves

Check Out These Highlights:

Brooke mentions the barriers to entry for black beauty brands and references Pat McGrath's recent product line launch (7:50)
Brooke explains how the lack of marketing and representation for black women in the industry reflects a system that wants to make them feel less about themselves. (18:39)
Brooke shares her motivation behind starting her brand and what it stands for (23:34)

Quotes:

“The more I did makeup artistry, the more I realized that people were covering up issues as opposed to tending to them.”
“I also say shop for your skin and not the trends because trends come and go. But how does it actually suit your skin needs and your skincare goals?”
“Beauty is ingrained in our cultures. We want to look and feel good. But why would an industry that's ran by European and Korean markets want to market to people who they want to feel less about themselves?”

Episode 40 - Goddess Skincare - Danese & Ashlee Sep 20, 2023

Dynamic mother-daughter duo Danese and Ashlee unveil the intimate journey of creating Goddess Skincare, a brand that prioritizes holistic skincare, while emphasizing the crucial role of mutual respect in their partnership. The Smalls, fueled by generations of family traditions, are on a steadfast mission to redefine skincare. Their innovative product line extends far beyond facial care, delving into the realm of full-body nourishment with body butters and sugar scrubs.

Their incorporation of CBD showcases a commitment to harnessing natural healing properties, providing not only deep hydration but also combating skin conditions like eczema. They shed light on the challenges of navigating a complex regulatory landscape for CBD products, reflecting their determination to bring this transformative element to a wider audience. As they set their sights on an upcoming spa experience that will offer a unique Black perspective, Danese and Ashlee champion self-love, authenticity, and embracing one's natural beauty, leaving a lasting imprint on the world of skincare.

Quote from interviewee for callout box:

“Being a goddess is being authentic to who God has created you to be.” – Ashlee Smalls

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

Life is a continuous journey, and building a brand is about finding balance and serving oneself the best way possible.
Skincare is not just about topical products but also encompasses a holistic lifestyle approach, including a balanced diet, exercise, stress management, and overall well-being, as these factors significantly impact skin health.
CBD in skincare can provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, moisturizing, and pain-relief benefits, making it a versatile ingredient that supports skin health and appearance.

Check Out

These Highlights: Danese and Ashlee eloquently define the concept of a "Goddess" and reveal the profound inspiration that ignited the creation of Goddess Skincare. (4:08)
Ashlee and Danese explain the harmonious interplay between their mother-daughter bond and their dynamic business partnership (11:05)
Unveiling the remarkable therapeutic attributes of CBD within their skincare line, Danese and Ashley provide an in-depth exploration of its healing properties (19:52)

Quotes:

“Well, I learned at an early age the importance of nourishing the skin daily. You know, our skin is our largest organ, and it requires daily nourishment.” – Danese Smalls
“We want to encourage women to love their authentic beauty and men because our products are gender neutral. But we would love for people to genuinely love the skin that they're in, feel comfortable naked.” – Ashlee Smalls
"It's about really just focusing on yourself and really focus on your skin and really focus on putting this nourishment on your skin." – Danese Smalls

Episode 39 - Kaike - Keli Smith Aug 30, 2023

In addressing the ideology that black women need to use excessive products to look and feel better about themselves, Keli Smith decided to add sugar to the spice and not so nice skincare industry with Kaike, a plant-based brand that empowers black women to celebrate the beauty of the skin they’re in.

While understanding black women’s exposure to a variety of harmful chemicals, Keli was determined to provide black women with a more joyful and holistic experience in their beauty routine with natural products that transport them to a place of comfort and well-being.

Quote from interviewee for call-out box:

“It was around that time that I was researching green beauty and kind of transitioning to a more holistic lifestyle that I got more curious but also disappointed with a lot of what I was seeing on the shelves.”

– Keli Smith

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss

The messaging in modern products revolve around black women comparing their skin type rather than embracing the skin they have needs to change.
Black women who are embarking on their big chop journey should be mindful of the products they use that may contain harmful ingredients.
A steaming washcloth is used to open your pores to release the dirt and the grime that would be left behind in removing toxins.

Check Out These Highlights:

The inspiration that led to Keli’s creation of Kaike after her big chop journey (14:43)
Details on Kaike’s three best-selling products and their benefits (17:39)
The advantage of using castor oil cleanser and oils to remove toxins and impurities from your skin (20:29)

Quotes:

“The mission of Kaike is to really create a product that causes a desire to really want to celebrate yourself through the products.”
“It was actually surprising to me to know how many [Black] women suffer from dry skin when I always had the assumption that everyone had oily skin.”
“One of the things that I'm very passionate about is wanting to be able to help other women who want to embark on that journey of balancing the importance of family, but also the desire to grow something and create a business that serves a purpose and how to really grow business and baby.”

Episode 38 - Golden Flourish - Rachael Aug 23, 2023

Following her postgraduate self-care journey, Rachel realized that drinking tea is a great way to stay healthy and increase her quality of life. After working in an herbalism apprenticeship, Rachel founded Golden Flourish to share what she learned about self-care through tea drinking while empowering the lives of future generations on their self-care journey.

Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world next to water and can be found in almost 80% of all U.S. households. Whether it’s used to disconnect from daily routines or boost your immune system, Rachel aspires to utilize her background in herbalism to encourage inner and outer wellbeing through tea consumption.

Quote from interviewee for call-out box:

“A lot of herbs have had different we call it “actions,” but different ways that it can support you in your self-care or in your health that have been passed down from generation to generation to generation.”

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

Ginger tea contains antioxidants that can help strengthen your immunity, digestive system and help with nausea.
Tea is a great alternative for coffee.
You can get into the habit of staying present by lending all your senses to not only preparing your tea but to enjoying every part of the process.

Check Out These Highlights:

Rachel shares how she creates and combines different herbs to benefit her customers (4:45)
Healthy alternatives for sugar in your tea (7:36)
Rachel describes how to be intentional in what you consume and understand the messages your food sends you (17:59)

Quotes:

“There [are] so many herbs, so many ways that it can benefit our bodies. And, yeah, that's what I want people to reconnect to.”
“Each blend that I create at Golden Flourish, I think about something that can support me and those around me or others that want to drink tea and self-care.”
“I feel like that's like the important teacher is our body. If we really listen to it or tune into what we’re feeling, we'll know what we can do to feel better and understand the journey that we're on.”

Episode 37: CEO and Executive Coach, Patrice Ford Lyn Jun 05, 2023

Patrice Ford Lynn, an executive coach, and transformational facilitator, brings a refreshing approach to wellness and personal growth. Her journey took a remarkable turn during the pandemic when she became a certified Yin yoga practitioner, using it as a tool to cultivate energy management and relaxation skills for herself and her clients. Transitioning from a management consultant to a transformational coach, Patrice discovered her true calling after her wife recognized her innate gifts. She took small tests, achieved her income goals, and that success fueled her drive to pursue coaching full-time.

Passionate about sparking transformation in others, Patrice's coaching style revolves around accountability, empowering individuals to challenge their limits and dismantle obstacles. She emphasizes the significance of embracing fear as a natural emotion while summoning the courage to push forward. She also highlights the power of mindfulness practices in navigating challenges. She concludes with an empowering message for entrepreneurs and executives, reminding them that they are not alone and that there are people who genuinely want to see them thrive.

Quote from interviewee for callout box:

“I fully believe one conversation can change our lives and if your coach isn't in that first conversation inspiring you in a different way, find somebody who can.”

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

Working with Bunlack women is important because it allows for understanding and holding space for their truths.
Fear is a natural human emotion, but it's important to be courageous and manage it through mindfulness and understanding its lessons.
Black executives often doubt themselves and need a safe space to discuss race, power, and safety.

Check Out These Highlights:

Patrice explains the reason behind the biggest roadblocks her clients face by anchoring to their past instead of their possibilities. (9:35)
Patrice emphasizes the importance of community for health and well-being (17:54)
Patrice shares how working with Black women allows for a deep understanding of their experiences and the creation of a safe and seen space where they can discuss race, power, and safety (22:02)

Quotes:

“I have a saying that it's okay to be scared, but it's important to be courageous.”
“We are living in a society that does not affirm us when we speak into rooms and folks don't hear us, but somebody else says the same thing, and they hear them.”
“We know how to survive, but there is something beyond survival. You named it: Thriving is beyond that, and we have to put down the tools that no longer work for us and pick up the ones that do.”

Episode 36: Her Poppy - Lauren Gregory Mar 27, 2023

Lauren Gregory, the founder of Her Poppy, ignites a meaningful conversation and shares her inspiring journey towards prioritizing her health and wellness after her father passed from pancreatic cancer, which had also affected previous generations in her family. Despite her long-standing battle with severe period pain and being prescribed birth control and Ibuprofen for years, she embraced a natural approach, developing a formula that alleviated the pain, bloating, and mood swings during menstrual cycles. Her product has been a resounding success, and it has helped many improve their menstrual cycle experiences.

Lauren encourages a different way of thinking and challenges societal norms and expectations surrounding menstrual health. She encourages women to unpack these outdated beliefs and celebrate the biology that created the unique bodies women live in and breathe out of. Through Her Poppy, Lauren implores women to understand their menstrual cycles, working concertedly with healthcare providers to maximize the benefits and optimize their health. With passion and ambition, Lauren inspires women everywhere to ask questions about their health and take control of their bodies.

Quote from interviewee for callout box:

“As I started to understand my period health, my fertility health, my menstrual cycle health, I noticed a huge gap in access to information.”

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

It’s important for women to listen to their bodies and avoid masking or curing period pain with medication without understanding the root cause.
A women's menstrual cycles is a physical representation of their ability to create life and give birth to ideas and visions
It may not be easy to make time during your menstrual cycle, but being aware and finding ways to take care of yourself can have positive impacts on your mental, emotional, and physical health.

Check Out These Highlights:

Lauren shares what inspired her to create products that were healthier alternatives (5:37)
Lauren talks about the normalization of suffering for black women and how it affects their menstrual health (25:28)
Lauren goes into detail on the benefits of the menstrual cycle (12:36)

Quotes:

“Just like we measure heart rate and breathing for women, our menstrual cycle is kind of like a fifth vital sign, if you will.”
“We give birth to humans. We give birth to ideas. We give birth to visions. And I think our fertility, our menstrual cycles are a physical representation of that.”
“Let's love ourselves and our bodies. And I mean that in the deepest intentional way possible.”

Episode 35: Cecile's Bath & Body - Jackie Granchamps Mar 27, 2023

Jackie Granchamps is the founder of Cecile's Bath and Body. Jackie's journey began in 2011 when she started making soap as a hobby while unemployed. However, as she began experimenting with different formulas and ingredients, she quickly realized the profit potential of luxury handmade skincare and decided to turn her passion into a business.

Despite starting with only old pots and pans and a small investment of $250, Jackie's dedication and drive helped her business snowball. She spent two years developing her formula, refining her techniques, and creating her brand. She shares her insights and experiences in building a successful business from scratch, including the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned along the way, and the importance of resilience, determination, and staying true to her vision.

Quote from interviewee for callout box:

“I hope at least this gives people a sense of hope that you can start with nothing. $250 is nothing to start a business. But you have to have the passion and the drive and the follow through.”

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

People's passion may not match yours, and it is crucial to have enough skills and confidence to move and make the first step in the business, even if you are scared or doubting yourself.
Nature has everything that we need and that chemicals are imitations of the real thing.
Red beans have a natural enzyme that helps to balance melanin production in the skin and also helps with skin damage and aging.

Check Out These Highlights:

Jackie explains how as women, we are often taught to ask for permission and get community buy-in, but it's important to break that stigma and trust in our skills and abilities. (5:39)
Jackie shares what was the biggest fear that she had overcome to create her brand (15:12)
Jackie emphasizes the importance of following your passion and being guided by an ancestral voice and intuition (23:09)

Quotes:

“I started my business with old pots and pans, stainless steel pots and pans and maybe $250, but it snowballed quickly. But it was good. It's been a good experience.”
“So as women, we're always taught to ask for permission we're put into this box and being a nice Caribbean girl from a strict family, it's almost like you got to get community buy in, right. And you shouldn't do things alone. It doesn't look right for a woman to do things by herself.”
“Make the move even if you're scared, even if you're doubting, because three months down the line, guaranteed you're going to be kicking yourself.”

Episode 34: Vigor Roots - Nathalee DuRose Mar 27, 2023

Nathalee DuRose, Chief Executive Officer of Vigor Roots, aims to help women struggling with hair loss, poor hair growth or scalp issues regain healthy and vibrant hair. Nathalee's journey to redefine hair and scalp care began with her struggles with prolonged scalp irritation and delayed hair growth. After her daughter was born, she knew she wanted to protect her daughter from going through the same problem she experienced with her hair.

Nathalee's commitment to revolutionizing hair care practices is further evident from her observation of the lack of healthy hair products and scalp care information available for her and her daughter's hair type, ultimately leading to the creation of Vigor Roots. She emphasizes the significance of educating people on preventable hair loss and shares her challenges and how she implemented self-care into her life to allow room for growth.

Quote from interviewee for callout box:

“The scalp is where the life is, and that's where we really need to nurture, just like our plants.”

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

The scalp is like the root of a plant in the sense that they both provide the foundation for growth. Without a healthy scalp, the hair follicles may not receive the necessary nutrients and blood flow needed for healthy hair growth, just as a plant without healthy roots may not receive the necessary nutrients and water to grow properly.
Having a simple hair care routine that works for you is more important than following complicated routines that you can't maintain.
In educating young women about preventable hair loss and promoting healthier scalp care routines younger generations will be able to prevent scalp damage and have healthier hair growth.

Check Out These Highlights:

Nathalee shares preventable measures that you could practice to help make your hair healthy (9:36)
Kristian and Nathalee discuss the beauty of self-care, constant change and learning, and the importance of being nimble and adaptable. (13:10)
Nathalee talks about the challenges of balancing a full-time job and running her own business and emphasizes the importance of time management and self-discipline. (6:10)

Quotes:

"I feel like constant change is growth. So, if it's changing, I'm growing.”
“I truly believe if we educate younger women like teenagers coming up from today about preventable hair loss, they will be in a better space than a lot of women my age today.”
" I'd like to be the place where customers are able to come just to get into information on what to do for scalp care.”

Episode 33: Gently Soap - Kristen Dunning Mar 27, 2023

Kristen Dunning, the founder of Gently Soap, shares her journey of creating a natural soap product that is both science-backed and clean. Growing up in a family with direct roots in sustainable farming and aquaculture, Kristen witnessed firsthand the connection between black farmers and nature. As someone with sensitive skin, Kristen struggled to find a product that was both natural and effective. She realized that there were limited products that combined both natural ingredients and science-backed research, so she decided to create her own.

After studying agricultural communication and horticulture at the University of Georgia, Kristen pioneered her own research project utilizing her horticulture work and herbal knowledge to create a solid foundation for building an influential brand that ensures customers feel good about the products they use on their skin. She highlights the importance of minorities returning to agriculture, transparency, natural remedies, and what is next for her brand.

Quote from interviewee for callout box:

"It was interesting how things can be marketed and portrayed to not be natural. But when you dig down to it, it actually isn’t."

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

Returning to heritage and agriculture is crucial for minority communities to reclaim what was taken away from them and restore a sense of cultural identity and empowerment, building resilience and strength in the face of ongoing oppression and discrimination resulting from the lasting impact of white people's exploitation and harm towards other communities.
Avoid greenwashing, where products are marketed as natural or sustainable but contain harmful ingredients and are not ethically sourced.
Calendula is a versatile and natural ingredient that can provide various health benefits with anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and soothing properties; It can also be used in tea to improve digestive health.

Check Out These Highlights:

Kristen talks about her background and familial history in black farming, sharecropping, and sustainable farming (1:28)
Kristen's shares how her grandmother's entrepreneurial spirit inspired her, and she became an accidental entrepreneur after realizing the need for a product that didn't exist in the market (7:00)
Kristen discusses the importance of good sourcing, which includes knowing where the product originated from and whether it is sourced ethically and sustainably (24:14)

Quotes:

"People are starting to really understand that what we put on our skin is just as important as what we put in our bodies."
" I am very driven by making sure people have options within sensitive skincare, especially within something that's so ingrained into our daily lives.”
"I became an entrepreneur by accident. I always say that I didn't decide to be there. It kind of chose me."

Episode 32: Adrina Fanore - Adrina Nelson Mar 27, 2023

Adrina Nelson is the mastermind behind Adrina Fanore, a chic lifestyle brand that seamlessly blends slow living, health and wellness, and sustainable living into high-end fashion and vegan beauty products. Having founded the brand in 2012 in Brooklyn, New York, Adrina decided to redefine her brand's purpose during the pandemic, leading to a newfound focus on the pursuit of a high-quality lifestyle, and the addition of her vegan nail polish collection.

Raised in the south, Adrina was captivated by the elegant aesthetics of femininity and the luxurious experience of nail polish. She recognized that nail polish was a powerful form of self-expression and a means of empowering women to embrace their individuality. This speaks about how this realization inspired her to create a nail polish collection that celebrates the multifaceted boldness and softness that embodies different aspects of black womanhood, using a diverse range of colors to do so.

Quote from interviewee for call-out box:

“[My brand] stands for a very high quality of life. I think that is very important. And by that, I mean when you look at my products, they're sustainable. So, what I sell is not harmful to you. It hasn't harmed anyone, any animal or anything in the process of being made.”

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

Capitalism has led to the promotion of products that promise immediate solutions to skin problems but are not always safe and can cause long-term health issues.
Historically, the black community did not have the wealth to buy commercialized products, and hence relied on more natural and organic products.
Using natural products can be a way to combat health disparities and other issues affecting the black community.

Check Out These Highlights:

Adrina explains what makes her nail polish different from others (11:21)
Adrina shares why she believes Black women are multifaceted, and how she chose colors that represent various aspects of black womanhood (13:11)
The commitment to veganism is coming from Adriana's heart and is based on the belief that organic living is better for black women (22:31)

Quotes:

“Also, just the media and the messages that I put out, whether that's in marketing or whatever, it's always a story. It's always something that people can relate to on a basic human level, however that is.”

“Nail polish is a representation of growing up as a little girl in the south and having to, I guess you can say, abide by certain aesthetics for to present femininity.”

“I think a lot of black women who own businesses are like that in general because we just typically like, we see an issue and you can check it out the list. Like we're going to find a solution for it.”

Episode 31: Yawoni - Diara Chukuigwe Feb 15, 2023

For Diara Chukuigwe, starting her own brand, Yawoni, has been a deeply personal endeavor. She infuses the brand with her passion for natural remedies and oils, which she learned about from her mother and grandmother, who imported them from Mali. The brand name, Yawoni, is a combination of her mother's nickname, "Ya," and the word "woni," which means "beloved" in her grandmother's Moorish language.

Diara is driven by her desire to honor the West African traditions of her heritage and share her connection to nature with others. As an expectant mother, she wants to create a legacy she can pass down to her children. Despite the challenges of starting a business, Diara finds balance by incorporating self-care rituals and valuing family.

Quote from interviewee for call-out box:

“My dream and my vision is to also have this two way communication with Mali where I empower the people back home because I sourced some of my ingredients from back there.”

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

Yawoni's products include Shea butter, mango butter, and cocoa butter, which are staples in traditional beauty products from Mali.
Personal care and beauty products contain several ingredients that often include a wide range of endocrine-disrupting (hormonal system) chemicals like phthalates, parabens, phenols and toxic metals.
Body butters can be used in your self-care rituals not only to provide moisture but also a spa-like and healing experience.

Check Out These Highlights:

How Daria is balancing self-care (18:55)
The motivation that drives Daria to keep pursuing her vision and brand (25:13)
Daria expresses gratitude for transparent all natural products and BLK+GRN (34:14)

Quotes:

“You have to give yourself these times where you allow yourself to take breath, because it's not a race, it's a marathon.”
“Growing up, my mom, my grandmother were very into natural remedies and oils and shea butters and all kinds of natural ingredients that we would import from my home country, from Mali.”
"So [my brand] was very personal it was definitely more than just business. It was something that I could put my soul into and share with the world and not focus on loss, but just creating.”
“I just want to create a path for women back home to become more independent and have something of their own.”

Episode 30: Mar Na’s Body Shop - Mar Na Carter Feb 15, 2023

Mar Na Carter’s is on a mission to demystify skincare with a more holistic approach so that people can experience non-toxic and less complicated skincare. Her journey in creating natural body care products began after witnessing her family members battle with skin issues. With no luck or relief from store bought products, Mar Na took matters into her own hands by researching natural alternatives and, as a result, successfully created a body butter that rejuvenated and cleared up her family member’s skin.

After receiving a high demand for her natural creations from family and friends, Mar Na’s Body Shop was created based on natural health and wellness principles. She speaks on many fascinating topics, such as her challenges with starting her brand and her natural hair journey, and also goes into detail to share how the importance of her “setting the mood” and making time for herself has helped her in her self-care journey.

Quote from interviewee for call out box:

“Once you find out the research of what's in certain name brands in the store, it's kind of scary.”

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

Self-care is vital for building resilience toward those stressors in life that you can't eliminate.
Trusting yourself means treating yourself with love and compassion, rather than strive for perfection
Hair relaxers alter the curl pattern of the hair by breaking down the structure of the cuticle making it straighter. However, this process can damage the hair, leaving it weak, brittle, and more likely to break.

Check Out These Highlights:

Some of the self-care practices that Mar Na does to stay rounded and in balance (8:55)
What inspired Mar Na to create more products in addition to body butters (15:05)
Some tips to help women find out their hair type (20:03)

Quotes:

“I wanted to explore different things that you can be proud to put on your skin, your hair, on your body, and know that I'm not adding certain chemicals to it that can harm your skin.”
“You have to trust yourself and trust your judgment and your discernment. Always discern. Your discernment will not steer you wrong.”
“I always call it God winks because sometimes you're ready to give up and God will give you a wink to let you know to keep pressing.”

Episode 29: Suki Suki Naturals - Linda Gieskes-Mwamba Feb 15, 2023

Linda Gieskes-Mwamba, founded the South African brand Suki Suki Naturals to solve a personal need for natural hair products that were affordable and accessible for people with Black hair types. After making her hair care products using ingredients found in her kitchen, like avocados, ripe bananas, and yogurt, she realized that through Suki Sukie naturals, there was a way to share her traditions of raw ingredients sourced from the earth.

As a South African native, she wanted to showcase that an African brand can be scientifically based, well researched, well formulated, and has a place in the global market. She incorporated her love, tradition, and knowledge into Suki Suki Naturals to showcase a specially formulated, harm-free premium brand, revealing a perspective on beauty that most of the world hasn't yet seen. While sharing her journey with her brand, she shares information to help listeners determine their hair prosperity, offers transparency on where her ingredients are produced and grown, and educates people on how to make healthier purchase decisions.

Quote from interviewee for call-out box:

“The idea is to just showcase that an African brand doesn't have to be like an artisanal brand. It can be very scientific based; it can be very well researched and very well formulated.”

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

Kalahari Melon seed oil is rich in vitamin E and can be found in the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa.
Black hair types require more attention to texture and dryness because the scalp produces natural oils for the hair, but the hair texture may make retaining those oils down each strand more difficult.
Prickly pear oil is native to countries with arid and dry soil and climate, and it has 150 times more vitamin E than argan oil, which is celebrated for its vitamin E content.

Check Out These Highlights:

How you can determine the porosity level of your hair (7:20)
Linda educates on some of the powerful properties of the raw botanical ingredients sourced from Africa (17:53)
Linda shares some of her skincare products (24:15)

Quotes:

“Today we definitely feel like things have changed and it's also a question of knowledge and education that you realize that actually my kind of hair loves this ingredient and it's not specifically expensive…”
“The idea is to really educate and then the consumer can make better choices.”
“At the time, there was so little on the South African market. The haircare industry was definitely more geared towards Caucasian hair types and we didn't have the knowledge as well.”

Episode 28: Loveleaf - Shani Lincoln Feb 14, 2023

Shani Lincoln's motivation behind her haircare and skincare business, Loveleaf, stems from her passion for discovering the healing effects of using nature's most beneficial and nourishing ingredients. After spending a lot of time perfecting her formulations for her family and friends and seeing results, she was ready to share her creation.

As she continues to navigate the barriers of maintaining a business, showing up for herself and practicing wellness is reflected in each product she offers and paves the way for others to do the same. Loveleaf has blossomed into the cultivation of botanical-forward products that offer healing and self-acceptance.

Quote from interviewee for call-out box:

“I want to make sure, no matter what the product is, that self-care is the key message behind them.”

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

Loveleaf’s products are free of any synthetic man-made materials and use natural ingredients to address different health issues.
Natural ingredients such as arnica help to reduce swelling and discoloration caused by bruising, while Calendula helps heal common skin irritations.
By practicing gratitude, we can strengthen our relationships, improve our health, amplify our positive feelings, celebrate the present, and deal with adversity.

Check Out These Highlights:

What natural herbs people should know more about (4:47)
Information on the calming butter sold on BLK + GRN (11:01)
Shani shares some powerful words for anyone on their self-care journey (20:55)

Quotes:

“Loveleaf really spoke to my love of nature and plants and the fact that all my ingredients are natural plant-based materials”
“My key message is I want folks to understand that they are a priority in their own lives”
“I want everyone to be moisturized all day with my skin and products of course, but I also want to address skin concerns and use herbs that really support healthy hair and healthy skin.”

Episode 27: Tianna Christine - Practicing Yoga Nov 04, 2022

The practice of Yoga has been around for centuries, but it has become increasingly popular in today’s busy society to help relieve mind pollution. The practice of Yoga is about more than just bending and stretching the body into different poses. Yoga is a spiritual practice that connects us to our bodies and souls and helps us find peace and calm, improving our physical and mental health. Get inspired with yoga instructor Tiana Christine who strives to empower, inspire, and ignite presence, purpose, and intention in your day. She openly discusses her inspiration behind becoming a yoga instructor after realizing the lack of people practicing Yoga. She also shares how she applies her practices on and off the mat while teaching others the gifts of Yoga and self-care.

Quote from interviewee for call-out box:

“I will say with yoga, there's the eight limbs of yoga, and you are not just practicing yoga on the mat. You're taking it off the mat with you.”

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

Yoga cultivates awareness of your mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and emotional state and can ultimately put you in a better frame of mind to make healthier choices.
You can actively practice yoga in the car, at school, at work, during conversations, and more
Every morning is a new beginning. Wake up remembering it is a new day and another chance for opportunity, no longer looking behind at what hasn’t served you.

Check Out These Highlights:

Tiana shares how the spiritual connection exists with yoga (4:02)
Insight into how to carry Yoga practice off the mat (6:56)
Details on the activity cards Tiana created that helps women focus on mindfulness, creativity, reflection (7:24)
Tiana talks about her vegan journey (17:14)

Quotes:

“Every single day, you're a new person. So, you have to just keep going. The consistency is where you need to thrive in.”
“When you are sinking your breath, your body, and you're really getting in alignment.
“If you mess up today, it's okay. Tomorrow is another day. It's a new day so, start where you are.”
“A lot of the postures not only take “oh, I'm just flexible, I can get into it”, it takes some focus with balance, with strength so, it's a whole total body experience.”

Episode 26: Ipade - Elizabeth Dawes Gay Oct 26, 2022

Elizabeth Dawes Gay, Founder and CEO of Ipade is sharing the new wave of inclusive co-working that serves Black women and people of color and combats microaggressions at the office. Stemming from the West African Yoruba word Ìpàdé (ee-pah-day), meaning “meeting or gathering,” this co-working space doesn’t just offer a place to work—it cultivates community. Despite being hit with a global pandemic that impacted many Black women and women of color in the workspace, Ipade continued to bring women together to build skills and resilience, disrupt barriers to advancement, dismantle systems of oppression, and transform society.

Elizabeth shares her journey with ipade and some inspirational advice for small businesses and entrepreneurs following their vision.

Quote from interviewee for call-out box: “We provide coworking space and memberships and day passes, along with a supportive community and event space where you can host workshops or retreats and get things done.”

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: The workplace is changing and so is the way we work. With the increase of inclusion and connection our workplaces are becoming more efficient Ipade is connecting teams to drive collaboration, nurture healthy working relationships, and promote knowledge-sharing Located in DC, ipade offers both virtual and in person coworking memberships.

Check Out These Highlights:

- Elizabeth shares how ipade adapted to safe gathering and saw the immediate connections made in the first in person coworking pop up (7:19)

- The inspiration and history behind the name ipade (9:19)

- How Elizabeth pushed through the obstacles of COVID to follow her vision (10:14)

Quotes:

“There’s so many people of color here, professional people, creative folks who are innovating and doing great things for their communities, and yet we didn't have a space that we could call our own.”

“There's this energy exchange that happens when you can see someone, and you all are in the same place, and you have the opportunity to actually get to know other people.”

“Everyone gets no’s […] say yes to yourself, trust yourself and keep going.”

Episode 25: Melabebe - Kelli Clifton Ogunsanya Mar 03, 2022

Melabebe ft. Kelly While their immune system continues to develop, children are the one age group more vulnerable to the harmful effects of environmental pollutants and toxic chemicals. As parents want to do their best to protect their little ones, walking down the children’s care aisle of a local supermarket or pharmacy can be an overwhelming experience. However, for one mother, a lifestyle with products in tune with nature with your little one shouldn’t be difficult to find and is worth living. Meet Kelli Clifton Ogunsanya, the founder and CEO of Melabebe, a plant-based skincare company for melanin-rich kids. Kelli founded Melabebe to fill an unmet need in the marketplace for children of color and demonstrate that moms can take career pivots and follow their entrepreneurial passions. Quote from interviewee for call-out box: “The way they marketed to kids of color or people of color always had a slightly negative connotation. It was always issue prone skin, challenging skin and that wasn't the label that I wanted to put on my kids.” Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: The beauty industry is highly unregulated and can capitalize on uneducated consumers. Because a child will use a product for a long time and in great quantity, choosing safe and effective products are important. Nostalgia and tradition shouldn't determine the products parents choose to put on their children. Check Out These Highlights: Why some companies create products with ingredients that are carcinogens (3:15) Kelly shares the kind of ingredients that are specifically geared towards children versus for adults (6:51) How Kelly balances being an entrepreneur, mom and having a full-time job (8:09) Quotes: “the skincare product industry, and especially for baby products, is north of $800 million per year.” “We really focus on very clean, lightweight products that are not heavily concentrated and really will not provide or offer adverse reactions to young skin.” “Self-awareness is so critical, and sometimes we don't even know what we're holding on to and what we're dealing with until we start to unpack it and motherhood is one of those things that will force you into seeing some of those things quicker than you might have otherwise.”

Episode 24: My Beautiful Black Hair Mar 01, 2022

Episode 23: Kreyol - Yve-Car Momperousse Jan 16, 2022

Yve-Car is the CEO and cofounder of Kreyol Essence and was driven by her vision to stimulate economic activity in Haiti. In this podcast episode, Yve takes on the role of interviewing Dr. Kristian Henderson, founder of BLK+GRN, and sparks an impactful conversation on what it means to walk in your passion. Despite a tragic life-threatening car accident in 2019 that left Kristian in a coma, her recovery journey did not force her to abandon BLK+GRN. Instead, it became the chapter in her story that highlighted all things possible when you stay true to what you want to do.

Black women make up the majority of the health industry. However, despite the mandates made by the National Institutes of Health to enhance the inclusion of ethnic groups, Black women continue to be underrepresented. While carrying on her grandmother's legacy, who fought for civil rights, Kristian continues to fight for Black women in a space that makes health and wellness accessible.

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

Soon the US will have rules regulations on the toxins used in products as many other countries
BLK+GRN puts into perspective how when Black women lead, we all succeed
No founder, cofounder or maker of a business is 100% sure in moving forward; It’s all about giving yourself grace and space

Check Out These Highlights:

Kristian talks about her recovery process after her life-threatening car accident (2:29)
Where Kristian’s clarity and love for the black community stems from (10:50)
Kristian’s next step towards providing wellness for Black women (13:46)
Using money as a tool to push your mission (33:15)

Quotes:

“it comes down to my core. I think it's in me. I think I was born with it. I was born with the spirit that fights for equality for Black women.”
“I think there will be a day when all marketplaces are looking for Black and Brown people to put on the shelf.”
“When people are purchasing products from BLK+GRN, they're supporting black women entrepreneurs. They're supporting people. They're supporting stories.”

Episode 22: Kushae - Kimba & Dr. Barb Dec 27, 2021

All too familiar with the big corporations that sell unsafe and far from caring products, OB-GYN Dr. Barb and ex-Pharmaceutical Sales Consultant Kimba came together to offer women pH-balanced, chemical-free, and natural-based alternatives for feminine care that are sensitive to women’s sensitivities.

While feminine hygiene is a proper way in life to reduce exposure to unpleasant infections and skin irritations, many women aren’t aware of the conventional and high-chemical products sold by cosmetic companies. Where many other organizations are focused on their product wealth, Dr. Barb and Kimba created a safe place to prioritize women’s health through Kushae, the only doctor-formulated feminine hygiene system.

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to miss:

Women who used Johnson and Johnson’s baby powder are filing lawsuits for its traces of asbestos which is linked to ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
The vaginal area has a pH of 3.5 and the best way to protect it is by keeping it balanced to prevent the bad bacteria from exposing you more infections.
Although commonly recommended for its mild formulas, Dove contains parabens and with a pH level of 7 which can disturb your natural pH.

Check Out These Highlights

Information about the twelve ingredients that have been identified by the National Institutes of Health as having very clinically relevant or scientific links to dangerous outcomes for women (21:13)
Kimba goes into detail on how the natural ingredients used in Kushae’s products you can find in your garden (22:42)
Tips on ways to keep your pH balanced (27:52)

Quotes

“You always hear about, unfortunately, black women and the things that plague us the most. And part of it being we're taking care of everybody else but ourselves.”
“People really need to advocate specifically because black women are still desperately treated when it comes to health care, regardless of income.
“We were adamant about making sure that our brand stayed true to our mission, which was all-natural care for down there.”

Episode 21: Koya Webb Dec 19, 2021

Many people beginning their self-care journey struggle with finding the time or don't know where to start. To break down that barrier, Koya teaches us how to reclaim our time to optimize our well-being through the practice of breathwork, gratitude, breaking bad habits, and dealing with our "human emotions.

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

The two main emotions that drive our actions and reactions are fear and love
Having plants in your house helps detox and purify your whole home.
All the elements we have in our universe work together to balance us out energetically.

Check Out These Highlights:

What it looks like when you're functioning in the darkness (17:23)
Koya shares ways to strengthen your spiritual connection (9:42)
Strategies to help escape fear-based emotions (22:44)

Quotes:

“As long as you have your breath in your body, you're able to dissolve stress and you're able to balance out your energies.”
“I started the yoga teacher training because I feel like the spiritual part was being left out, like rituals and routines and products that can really nurture our own health.”
“We don't have the choice over what happens to us, but we do have the choice on how we deal with what happens to us and how we beat ourselves up or shame ourselves or make ourselves wrong.”

Episode 20 - Dinobi: Augie and Sylvia Dec 13, 2021

Mom-preneur Sylvia Emuwa and her husband Augie, founders of Dinobi, were driven to create a gentle enough product to combat their family of six reoccurring skin irritations. With no response from the detergent companies to determine the ingredients used, they decided to take matters into their own hands by creating a safe detergent that's greener, cleaner, and gentle enough for people to use every day.

Many toxic chemicals in our homes are found in products that claim to protect us, such as detergents. While they leave our clothes looking spotless and smelling fresh, the detergents we use contain many known toxins that have adverse side effects on our health. Sylvia created Dinobi as a safer alternative to modern detergents that protect people from being exposed to harmful chemicals in their clothing and sheets absorbed into their bodies.

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

The chemicals in laundry detergents leave a residue that absorbs into your clothing and skin.
Many people are burdened with skin irritations from laundry detergent without knowing the ingredients that are causing them.
Buying green laundry detergent is safer for your children’s and family’s health.

Check Out These Highlights:

The inspiration behind Dinobi (5:12)
Sylvia discusses her concerns on the lack of transparency in ingredients within laundry detergent (19:28)
Augie expresses the importance of being mindful of the products we buy (23:19)

Quotes:

“I turned the detergent bottle around, and I immediately noticed that they only put the ingredients that were in the plastic, not the ingredients that were in the product itself.” -Augie
“It's important to be educated and not just passively consume.” – Augie
“When you pick up the phone and you're trying to ask somebody what is in this and they never get back to you. That's the problem.” -Sylvia
“It is important to really know what it is you're using because a lot of those things do cause issues, physical issues.” -Sylvia

Episode 19-Teni Adewumi Jul 06, 2020

Teni Adewumi has spent the last six years advocating for and educating black women on the hidden dangers found in the ingredients of personal care products. Using her background in industrial hygiene, health sciences, and as a PhD candidate at the University of California, Los Angeles, Teni is at the grassroots level working to find better solutions to limit the negative health impact of cosmetic products predominantly used by women of color.

A lot of women aren’t aware of the toxic ingredients that lurk in their favorite products and that they are negatively impacting their health. So, Teni’s mission is clear — to protect all black women, especially those who work in salons with harsh chemicals and women of reproductive age who may be greatly affected by hormone-disrupting ingredients found in most of their products.

Quote from interviewee for call out box:

“We’re in a very interesting time right now where researchers are really starting to ask questions on the impact of these products on black women.” —Teni Adewumi

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

Black people are usually underrepresented in the environmental health space. That needs to change.
Black women’s products often have the most harmful ingredients, so we should be mindful about the products we use.
Black women have huge purchasing power — we have the power to change the current system and what’s allowed in products.

Check Out These Highlights:

Teni discusses common hormone-disrupting chemicals found in black products (9:51)
Tips on what ingredients to watch out for (23:59)
The outcomes of being exposed to toxic ingredients over time (28:31)

Quotes:

“We are this economic driving force, and we can shift the market when it comes to products marketed to us.”
“Black women have huge purchasing power.”
We came all the way from Madam C.J. Walker. The innovation, the purchasing power, and the sheer will of black women is just amazing.”

You can listen and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Sticher or Spotify. Also, follow us @blkgrn on all social platforms and let us know what you think!

(1.5 hours)

Episode 18 - CurlMix - Kim Lewis Jun 29, 2020

There will likely come a time when the only person who believes in the true worth of your business is you. That’s what happened to entrepreneur Kim Lewis. Kim and her husband, Tim, owners of the natural hair care product line, CurlMix, knew their company’s worth going into the popular business reality TV show, “Shark Tank.” So when they were offered a fraction of what they knew their business was worth, they declined the offer.

That singular move spoke volumes to the power of taking a chance on yourself, believing in your worth and being hopeful in what’s to come. And what came next for them — and what continues to come — is valued way more than what they were originally offered. Kim shares her insights on entrepreneurship, finances, and how she balances it all.

Quote from interviewee for call-out box:

“As long as you’re experiencing, you're technically not failing. The real failure is not starting.” —Kim Lewis

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

Listening to your customers’ desires and following purchasing trends will do wonders for your business.
When others underestimate you, it’s important for you to trust your value of yourself and your business.
Do the hard work that no one wants to do and you’ll watch your business flourish.

Check Out These Highlights:

Kim discusses how she made the transition to full-time employment in her own business. (3:09)
The power of knowing your customers. (5:46)
Kim talks about venture capital and raising money. (23:33)
Balancing parenting and entrepreneurship. (30:40)

Quotes:

“I’m black. I have to already be winning before someone is going to ride my train (and invest in me.)”
“It’s best to raise money when you don’t need it.”

You can listen and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Sticher or Spotify. Also, follow us @blkgrn on all social platforms and let us know what you think!

(1.5)

Episode 17-Christina Arenas Jun 22, 2020

Some things should be sacred, like our home spaces, our rituals, and the things we feed our bodies. Christina Arenas, one of our artisans and creator of Blue Sage, works to cultivate body-friendly, hand-poured, soy wax candles that are affordable and easily accessible to everyone who desires to live a healthier, more intentional lifestyle.

Christina believes everyone should celebrate themselves, and candles can play an important role in necessary self care rituals. She strives to continue on her journey to spread awareness, positivity, and educating others about being mindful of protecting their bodies.

Quote from interviewee for call out box:

“A natural lifestyle is definitely a journey. It’s not a sprint.” —Christina Arenas

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

Self love is learning to accept yourself just the way you are.
The products we use in our homes is just as important to our health as the products we use on our bodies.
Everything has energy. Everything has vibration.

Check Out These Highlights:

Christina talks about the process of preparing your body to shift to natural products. (7:59)
Tips on how to practically celebrate yourself with the time you have. (14:49)
Christina shares her insights on the uses and benefits of crystals. (19:00)

Quotes:

“A lot of us need to realize we’ve been putting so many chemicals in our bodies for so long, it’s going to take some time for our bodies to produce those things it needs to cleanse itself.”
“So many of us think self care has to be about going into a spa and getting a massage. But we all don’t have the resources to do that. So, why not create that space at home?”
“Create sacred moments for yourself.”
“Everything created by the Creator has its purpose.”

You can listen and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Sticher or Spotify. Also, follow us @blkgrn on all social platforms and let us know what you think!

(1 hour, 15 minutes)

Episode 16- AbsoluteJoi - Dr. Anne Jun 15, 2020

There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to skincare, but here’s what we do know: Most of the products marketed to black women have toxins in it, and these toxins are known to have adverse effects on our overall health.

Our skin is different, and so, therefore, we have different needs than most mainstream products can’t help us with, so it’s time for us to make a big change in the products we use. Thankfully for people like Dr. Anne, who created the AbsoluteJOI skincare line, we have hope that we can safely meet our skincare and lifestyle needs. Today, we talk about the important products Black people need to have in their skincare routines, the damaging effects of inflammation, and how we can do better about putting better things in and on our skin.

Quote from interviewee for call-out box:

“With skincare, it’s less about the appearance of your skin and more about the health of your skin.” —Dr. Anne

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

It’s important to work with your skin, not against it.
Black skin has different needs and the products we use should be tailored to those needs.
The more aware we are, the better we can protect ourselves.
Inflammation is the root cause of disease.

Check Out These Highlights:

Anne talks about the dangers of fragrance. (7:04)
Debunking skincare myths. (11:39)
Why using oil is best for oily skin. (14:11)
The importance of using non-toxic products in your daily routine. (16:14)
Anne discusses inflammation and the harmful role it plays. (24:55)

Quotes:

“Oil has a very important role in maintaining our skin health. And when we are constantly trying to strip it away, what we’re doing is fighting against what our skin is naturally trying to do.”
“Focus on maintaining a healthy approach to the skin.”
“What we don’t put in our bodies is just as important as what we do put in.”
“Inflammation causes diseases or is an indicator of disease.”

You can listen and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Sticher or Spotify. Also, follow us @blkgrn on all social platforms and let us know what you think!

(1.5)

Episode 15-Annie White Brown Jun 09, 2020

There isn’t a lot of regulation for what goes into mainstream personal care products and how they’re labeled, so it’s really important to know there are people who are in our corner and producing products that will not only benefit us, but help us thrive.

One of our artisans, Annie White Brown, is doing just that. Owner of NaturalAnnie Essentials, Annie creates products using the ancient practices of her Jamaican roots, using top-of-the-line essential oils and herbs to create natural beauty products and soy candles.

Quote from interviewee for call out box:

“I am excited to be a part of this movement where we can provide products for our people without them having to beg to be wanted.” —Annie White Brown

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss:

Natural products give us the opportunity to heal ourselves sometimes better than other options.
Self care can be simple, but it’s a choice.
Wellness can happen for anyone at any phase of their lives.

Check Out These Highlights:

Annie talks about what essential oils are and how they can be used to benefit the body. (6:12)
A discussion on why buying black is important. (13:45)
How to create a personal wellness lifestyle. (15:24)
Annie talks about balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and self care. (18:58)

Quotes:

“Representation matters.”
“We shouldn’t have to beg to be represented.”
“I have the power to change the outlook of my day.”

You can listen and subscribe on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Sticher or Spotify. Also, follow us @blkgrn on all social platforms and let us know what you think!

(1.5 hours)

Episode 14-Dr. Crystal Jones Apr 25, 2019

Welcome to the final episode of the BLK + GRN podcast. Each week during the discussion with the artisan we take time out to listen to a meditation by Dr. Crystal Jones. In this episode, we interview the woman behind the meditation. Dr. Crystal shares with us her definition of healing, finding healing and she provides tips on meditating. This is an amazing closing to season one of the BLK + GRN podcast. Join our FB group to see updates on season two. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to "buy black and live green".

Episode 13-Black Girl Sunscreen Apr 18, 2019

Welcome to Episode 13 of the BLK + GRN podcast. This week we have Shontay Lundy the founder and creator of Black Girl Sunscreen. Black Girl Sunscreen is one of our top-selling products and in this episode, we find out the reasons why. Shontay shares with us the reason behind the company, her beliefs and her experience as an entrepreneur working a full-time job. Tune in to this amazing episode and don't forget to subscribe.

Episode 12-Pur Home Apr 11, 2019

Welcome to Episode 12 of the BLK + GRN podcast. This week we have Angela Richardson the founder and creator of PUR HOME. In this episode, we take a deep dive with Angela to discuss all things clean ingredients. Angela shares with us her journey to entrepreneurship, the support from the black community and so much more. This is an episode you won't want to miss and don't forget to subscribe.

Episode 11-The Happy Pop-Up Apr 04, 2019

Welcome to Episode 11 of the BLK + GRN podcast. This week we have Chianti Lomax. Chianti is the founder and creator of The Happy Pop-Up. This episode is all about positivity and self-love. Chianti shares with us so many tips on how to not only bring happiness to your life but also how to be resilient in times of self-doubt. Make sure you bring your paper and pen to write down all the tips from Chianti. Don't forget to subscribe.

Episode 010: Natural Mixologists Mar 28, 2019

In this episode of the BLK + GRN podcast, I sit down with Donica Johns, the owner of the Natural Mixologist. Donica opens up about how the needs of her family led her to seek out chemical and toxin free skincare. We dig deep on the needs of the black community, her struggles with being a woman of color in the skincare industry and the importance of black-owned businesses in the black community. In this episode, some of the most critical challenges facing black owners are discussed. Ever wonder why black business owners don't put a picture of themselves on their website? Or why we don't get the same opportunities as our equal counterparts? Make sure to tune in to hear the discussion.

Want to know more about the Natural Mixologist? You can find her here at https://blkgrn.com

Episode 009: H&B Mar 21, 2019

Welcome to the ninth episode of the BLK + GRN podcast. This week we interview Gabrielle Lauren, the founder, and creator of H&B. In this episode, Gabrielle discusses how her high-paced and stressful job as an RN left her at a vulnerable place in life. After she took medical leave due to the current state of her mental/physical self at that time, she stumbled upon a DIY for candle making, and it piqued her interest. After she made her first candles, she was hooked, she loved the process! Gabrielle shares with us all of her stresses, hurdles and her reason behind Honest and Beautiful. We dive deep into her struggles between Christianity and meditation. This is a fantastic episode you won't want to miss. Make sure to tune in and subscribe.

Episode 008: Jacq's Organics Mar 14, 2019

Welcome to Episode 8 of the BLK + GRN podcast. This week we sit down with the inspirational Barbara Jacques the founder and creator of Jacq's organics. In this episode we Barbara shares details of the battle, she had with a tumor and fibroids. She provides amazing information about self-care and self-love. Barbara allows us an insight into the woman behind the brand. Don't forget to subscribe and get ready for another exciting episode of the BLK + GRN podcast.

Episode 007: Choiselle Mar 07, 2019

Welcome to episode seven of the BLK + GRN podcast. This week we are speaking to the incredible Nydia Norville. In this episode, we dive deep into her journey to entrepreneurship and the decisions she has been faced with as a black woman in business. We learn more about how her passion was formulated for nature-based skin solutions. Tune in to here Nydia's "why" and learn more about the spirit and value of Choiselle.

Episode 006: Melanin Essentials Feb 28, 2019

Welcome to episode six of the BLK + GRN podcast. This week we sit down with the innovative co-founders of Melanin Essentials, Olayinka Credle and Saba Williams. Olayinka and Saba experienced years of individual stunted hair growth before deciding to embark on a natural hair journey together. Their mission of finding affordable, natural and reliable hair products birthed Melanin Essentials. In this episode, Olayinka and Saba, discuss the beginning of Melanin Essentials, how their faith has helped them along their journey, and they even discuss how it is to run a business with a friend. Tune in for another exciting episode of the BLK + GRN podcast.

Episode 005: Afro Hair & Skin Co. Feb 21, 2019

Welcome to episode five of the BLK + GRN podcast. This week we had the pleasure of interviewing Ibi Meier-Oruitemeka. Ibi is a natural and wellness beauty expert, creative entrepreneur and the founder and creative director of The Afro Hair & Skin Co. Her bestselling facial oil FLOW has attracted the attention of top beauty editors and was subsequently named as 'Best Skincare for and By People of Colour' by VOGUE. In this episode, Ibi speaks about her journey over a five-year period in which she began researching and developing her powerful line of holistic products. Have you ever wondered if you were the only one who couldn't seem to find products that were made for "us"? Well, you're not the only one. Tune in to hear Ibi story and learn what turned her struggle into a booming business.

Episode 004-Demosea (formerly So Posh Beauty) Feb 14, 2019

Welcome to the fourth episode of the BLK + GRN podcast. This week we sit down with the owner of Demosea (formerly So Posh Beauty), Ronni Wilson. Due to her struggle with an auto-immune disorder, Ronni's business So Posh was born out of necessity. In this episode, Ronni opens up about the biggest mistake she made while building her business, her experience being a black women entrepreneur dealing with big box stores and the access that black business owners have to opportunities, and so much more. Do you believe that black women don't support each other in business? Dr. Kristian and Ronni share their honest opinion on the topic. Tune in now for this fantastic episode.

Episode 003-Golde Feb 07, 2019

This week on the BLK + GRN podcast we are featuring Trinity Mouzon. Trinity is the owner of Golde, a turmeric wellness company. In this insightful episode, we take a closer look at the woman behind the brand. We discuss the leap she took when she decided to pursue Golde full time. Trinity opens up about the various benefits of turmeric, healthy living, and how to become confident as a woman in business. Get ready to hear another informative but fun episode and don't forget to visit us at www.blkgrn.com.

Episode 002-Honey Pot Part Two Jan 31, 2019

Welcome to part two of my incredible interview with the owner of Honey Pot, Beatrice Dixon. If you thought part one was amazing, you are in for a treat. Have you ever wondered if you need your product in a big box store to be successful? Well, this episode is for you. Then we buckle down and talk about everything surrounding the topic of authenticity as a business owner. Does it hurt or help business being loyal to your black customers? This can be a touchy subject, and we open up the discussion by talking about the controversy surrounding Shea Moisture. Let's just say it was a very passionate conversation. Tune in for another great episode and don't forget to visit us at www.blkgrn.com/

Episode 001-Honey Pot Jan 19, 2019

Welcome to the first episode of the BLK + GRN podcast. This week we speak with Beatrice Dixon the owner and creator of Honey Pot, a natural feminine wash. Honey Pot was born because Beatrice decided to stop the vicious cycle of taking antibiotics for temporary relief and embark on a mission to find a natural and lasting remedy to vaginal infections. This episode is jam-packed with so much information and insight. We discuss everything from the real truth why Dove is the number one recommended product to why women don't know how to take care of their Honey Pot. There was so much information, knowledge and honesty in this episode we had to have a part 2. So, make sure to subscribe so you can tune in next week for part 2. Don't forget to comment on social media and visit us at BLKGRN.com

Episode 00-Welcome to the BLK + GRN podcast! Jan 19, 2019

Welcome to season one of the BLK + GRN podcast. Hosted by Dr. Kristian Henderson. Each week she speaks with artisans who otherwise would not have a place to share their stories or their products with the very people they created them for. Her mission in life has always been to connect Black women to the tools, resources, knowledge, and products they need to lead happier and healthier lives. One of the goals of the BLK + GRN podcast is to provide other women whether business owners or consumers with support, love, and encouragement. Tune into this episode to hear Dr. Henderson's reason why she started BLK + GRN and more about her wellness journey.

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